Summer Willis

Meet Summer Willis

Summer Willis is an endurance athlete, world-record holder, advocate, and founder of Strength Through Strides, a nonprofit supporting survivors of sexual assault. As a mom, survivor, and athlete, Summer is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, using her athletic feats to inspire others, raise awareness, and raise money for a cause close to her heart.

In the past year alone, Summer set out to run 29 marathons before her 30th birthday, including one while carrying a mattress, as a symbol of the weight survivors carry. Her journey has taken her across the world, breaking world records along the way, all while being a mother to two young children. The final marathon in this series will take place at the Chicago Marathon on October 13th.

But Summer’s story is about more than marathons. She is currently preparing to swim across the English Channel, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic swim. This journey, featured in an upcoming documentary, will explore the triumphs and struggles of survivors, motherhood, and the power of love and resilience.

Summer’s work has been featured in People Magazine, Runner’s World, Fox In Depth, ABC, and iHeart Radio, where she was honored as Hero of the Week. As an advocate for survivors and a mother of two, she has raised over $29,000 for her cause. Her determination has inspired thousands to join her mission to prove that trauma doesn’t define us — strength does.